Languedoc

This appellation is very occasionally also referred to as Côtes du Cabardès et de l´Orbiel and is located in the extreme west of the Languedoc wine-growing region (some sources include it in the South-West France wine-growing region, or Sud-Ouest). The vineyard area totals more than 500 hectares, these are spread over 18 communes to the north of the city of Carcassonne. The regulations are unusual in that Bordeaux grape varieties may be blended with the typical southern French varieties. This exception ot the general regulations was decided on in 1999, as a result of the exceptional climatic conditions, which are a mixture of Mediterranean and Atlantic climate, and also as a result of the special soil structures found here. Red wines and rosés are made from a minimum of 40% of Grenache Noir, Syrah and Cinsaut (the last-named may not exceed 20%), as well as from a maximum of 60% of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Fer produziert (Aubun, Carignan, Mourvèdre, Négrette, Picpoul Noir and Terret Noir are no longer permitted). Well-known producers include Domaine de Cabrol, Château de Pennautier, Château Rivals and Château Ventenac.